Troops arrive to help tackle Saddleworth Moor fires

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Approximately 100 soldiers from 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, and an RAF Chinook helicopter have been deployed to support the Great Manchester Fire & Rescue Service operation responding to the Saddleworth Moor fires.

The troops deployed overnight last night (Wednesday) from their barracks in Catterick.

Operating out of a nearby Army Training Centre, they will assist the effort to control and reduce the fire, undertaking tasks such as the management of water lines, fire beating and providing general support where required.

The RAF Chinook, flying out of RAF Odiham, arrives this morning.

It will airlift heavy equipment such as High Volume Pump Units to areas that are difficult to access due to the terrain.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "I pay tribute to our Armed Forces’ professionalism, dedication and sense of duty.

"They are proving once again that Britain can always depend on our troops to protect us no matter the time, no matter the place, and no matter the problem."

At a press conference early this morning, fire chiefs said the force of the fire was less than it had been on yesterday morning thanks to efforts during yesterday to stop it spreading.

Fire now covers a huge seven square miles, with peat on the moorland fuelling the spread of the fire.

The fire is now being tackled at six different locations, with 100 firefighters tackling the blaze.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Tony Hunter told reporters it could be weeks before the fire is under control, admitting that what was really required was a deluge.

He said: "We have not seen any indication of any rain coming within the next couple of days or weeks so we can see this being prolonged for days if not weeks particularly because of the fact the wind has drawn fires towards the residential (areas) and actually away from the centre of the moors.

"We only need a change in wind direction to then see that fire increasing to where the greater fuel source is so we could see a drastic change so that's why having the resources on scene immediately ready and the armed services is extremely important.

Asked about the soldiers who were being deployed from Caterick, he added: "To have the support of the armed forces is extremely pleasing and I know that the firefighters will be appreciative of that."

More to follow during the day.

Meanwhile, take a look at our timelapse video showing how the devastating fires progressed during day three of this huge incident on Tuesday (see below).